Thursday, April 26, 2007
Governor Culver Signs Teacher Pay Increase Legislation
(Des Moines) Today, Governor Chet Culver signed Senate File 277, increasing teacher pay by $5000 dollars over the next two schools years. An issue that was at the centerpiece of Governor Culver’s campaign, this legislation will move Iowa from 43rd in the nation for teacher pay to 25th.
“To provide a world-class education requires world-class teachers, and we here in Iowa have been blessed
with some of the best teachers in the nation. It is only fair that we pay them as the dedicated professional
that they are,” said Governor Culver. “Many teachers and parents alike have waited patiently for a day when
our state gives educators the pay raise they deserve. I am proud to say that today they have to wait no longer!
Our state will finally give our teachers a much deserved raise, and make Iowa once again a place that values our
teachers and their service to our children. “
During the ceremony, the Governor was joined by legislators, education officials, and more than 100 teachers from across the state, including 2005 Iowa Teacher of the Year, Vicki Goldsmith. With more than 42 years of teaching experience Ms. Goldsmith is a former educator from Roosevelt High School who has advocated for issues regarding Iowa educations.
“Teaching is more difficult than it has ever been,” said Ms. Goldsmith. “If our education system is to encourage the critical thinking necessary for a dynamic democracy, if we are to help all students reach their highest human potential, if we are to envision education as the means of transforming lives, now more than ever, we must draw the best minds and hearts into teaching and make education competitive with other professions. I believe the bill that Gov. Culver is signing today will make a significant difference in keeping superb teachers in education and in Iowa.”
SF 277 will provide an additional $145 million for teacher salaries over two years. Included in the legislation was $20 million in professional development, giving our teachers additional training and ensuring they stay current on the latest teaching practices.
In addition, this legislation creates ten pilot programs across the state to test new models for teacher compensation. Citing a need to review these programs effectiveness, Governor Culver used his line-item veto to strike a provision that mandates their enactment statewide.
“While I support these pilot projects, I do not support that they be mandated statewide at the end of them,” wrote the Governor in his veto message to Senate President Kibbie. “The goal of the projects is to allow us to better assess whether these methods are the right ones for this state to improve education for our students. We cannot make that determination now, prior to beginning the projects, and it would be irresponsible to mandate that as a part of this bill. I look forward to working with the Legislature and other education partners throughout the state to take a close look at the models developed in these projects and make a determination about statewide implementation upon their completion.”